Circleville, OH — The Circleville City Committee met on September 6, 2024, to discuss and advance a critical resolution concerning a proposed railroad overpass project. The meeting focused on securing a grant for the project through the Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program.
The motion to approve the minutes was moved by Sherry Theis and seconded by Tom Duval, receiving unanimous consent.
New business centered on a resolution to authorize the submission of an application and a local match commitment for the Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program. This grant is part of the federal initiative aimed at enhancing safety and mobility at railroad crossings.
Its purpose: to commit local funds in support of the grant application. The resolution is a necessary step in securing the grant, which will contribute to the estimated $2.5 million cost of the overpass project. This project is part of a broader effort to improve safety and infrastructure at railroad crossings in Circleville.
Jim Stanley, the Circleville Director involved with the grant process, was unable to attend the meeting due to a family emergency. However, he had previously communicated with the committee, and Tom Duvall confirmed that the required local match funds are available over the next two to three years.
Committee members discussed the resolution’s implications, noting that while the specific location for the overpass has not yet been determined, the commitment of local funds is a crucial step. They clarified that this resolution is a preliminary measure and that the total project cost would involve significant federal and state funding. The local match represents a small fraction of the overall project expense.
Concerns about the potential for the project to fall through were addressed. It was noted that the committed funds would not be lost if the project did not proceed, as they would be allocated as a budgetary item.
A motion was made by Jeff Halinin and seconded by Zach Brooks to forward the resolution to the City Council for its first reading on September 17, 2024. The motion passed with unanimous support from committee members.
The planned railroad overpass is a significant infrastructure project aimed at improving safety and reducing traffic disruptions.
Applications for the Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program are due by September 23, 2024. For more details on the grant program and application materials, interested parties can visit the Federal Railroad Administration’s website.
For information on the overpasses that have been selected click the link below
